Why Eswatini is not getting tariff-free access to China like all African countries
Eswatini is the only African country not benefiting from China’s tariff-free trade offer to least developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties to China.
The offer, announced on December 1, 2024, removes tariffs on 100% of goods from LDCs with formal relations with China.
According to the Chinese Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, the move is aimed at expanding “unilateral opening to the least developed countries,” achieving common development, as well as promoting China-Africa economic and trade cooperation”.
Eswatini, which is the only fully recognised African country that does not have diplomatic ties with China, is exempt from this new arrangement.
The Southern African country maintains relations with Taiwan, a self-governing island that China considers a breakaway province.
Countries with official ties to Taiwan cannot have diplomatic relations with Beijing under China's "One China" policy, and Eswatini is the only African nation that still recognises Taiwan.
The tariff-free agreement benefits participating LDCs by boosting exports of goods like agricultural products, textiles, and minerals to China without the burden of import taxes.
Tariffs on goods including cereals, forage, food products, fabrics, footwear, wood, fertilisers, and pharmaceutical products will all be waived by China under the arrangement.
These exemptions are designed to help LDCs grow their economies through easier access to the Chinese market.
Eswatini's lack of diplomatic ties with China means it cannot access these economic opportunities.
